The scarlet flower Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, in a distant kingdom, there lived a wealthy merchant. He had countless treasures: gold, silver, precious stones, and rich carpets. Yet his greatest wealth was his three daughters.
All three were beautiful, but the youngest was the most lovely, kind, and gentle. The merchant loved her more than anyone.

One day, the merchant prepared for a long journey across distant lands. He called his daughters and said:
— My dear daughters, I am leaving on a long journey. I do not know when I will return. Tell me, what gifts shall I bring you?

The girls thought for three days and nights. Then, before his departure, they gave their answers.

The eldest said:
— Bring me a golden crown that shines like the sun.

The middle daughter asked:
— Bring me a crystal table with a magic mirror where I will grow more beautiful each day.

The youngest daughter bowed and said:
— Dear Father, bring me a scarlet flower, the most beautiful flower in the whole world.

The merchant promised and set out. He found the golden crown and the crystal table easily. But no matter where he searched, he could not find the scarlet flower.

After many days, wandering through thick forests, he discovered a magnificent palace, shining with gold and jewels. Inside, no one was seen, but delicious food was set on the tables, and beds were prepared.
The merchant ate, rested, and wandered into the palace gardens.

There, he saw a flower so vivid, so scarlet, that he knew — this was the one his youngest daughter had asked for. He picked the flower.

Immediately, thunder roared and lightning flashed! A terrible Beast appeared, part-animal, part-human, and roared:
— I showed you hospitality, and you stole my beloved flower!

The merchant fell to his knees, pleading:
— Forgive me! I took it for my youngest daughter. Take all my riches, but spare my life!

The Beast replied:
— I need no riches. Only if you send one of your daughters in your place will I let you go.

With a heavy heart, the merchant agreed. The Beast gave him a magic ring that would return him home instantly.

At home, he told his daughters everything. The eldest and middle daughters refused to go. But the youngest said:
— Father, I will go. It was my wish that caused this.

She kissed her father goodbye, put on the magic ring, and found herself in the marvelous palace.
Life there was wondrous: food appeared by magic, music played, and every wish came true.

The Beast spoke to her first through glowing words on the wall. Over time, they became friends. His voice was harsh, but his heart was kind.

Days passed. The girl grew to care for the Beast, for his kindness and gentle spirit.

One night, she dreamed that her father was ill. The Beast allowed her to visit home but warned:
— Return in three days. If not, I will die of sorrow.

The girl returned to her father, who was overjoyed. Her sisters, however, grew jealous. They secretly delayed her by setting back all the clocks.

Feeling uneasy, she rushed back to the palace — but it was too late. The gardens were withered, the music was silent, and the Beast lay dying beside the scarlet flower.

Weeping, she cried:
— Wake up, my dearest friend! I love you!

Lightning flashed, the earth trembled — and before her stood a handsome prince!

He said:
— I was cursed to live as a Beast until a pure-hearted girl loved me despite my monstrous form. You have broken the spell!

They married with great joy and lived happily ever after.